Occupational safety
The Occupational Safety And Health Act requires for the employer to review the risk factors in the workplace due to the work, the work environment and the work conditions. The purpose of this review is to ensure safe, healthy and smooth work.
The obligation to review risks is based on the Occupational Safety And Health Act and applies to all employers, regardless of the sector and the number of employees.
The review has to consider areas, such as
- working conditions
- the accidents, occupational diseases and near-misses that have occurred, and
- the employees’ personal characteristics, such as age, gender, professional competence and health-related factors.
The risk assessment is the employer’s duty
Any risks should be removed or minimised so that the health and safety of the employees does not become compromised.
The work for ensuring occupational safety cannot be delegated to occupational healthcare services or the co-operation representative of occupational health and safety, for example. Lack of money cannot be used to defend negligence in safety matters.
In addition to a healthy working environment, occupational well-being can be improved by offering good employment terms, taking care of the mental well-being of the employees and ensuring just and fair management.
Everyone is obligated to follow the safety instructions in the workplace and to consider the risk factors. Everyone is also obligated to report any shortcomings to their supervisor and the occupational safety and health representative.
If your work community has issues with safety or the atmosphere, contact the occupational safety and health officers.